Both Reading and Nottingham Forest will be full of confidence heading into Saturday afternoon's fascinating Championship affair at the Madejski Stadium.

Indeed, Reading have won each of their last four in the Championship, while Forest have been victorious in their last three to sit firmly inside the playoff positions at this stage of the campaign.

Match preview

Reading have not been without their problems this season, but the Royals will enter this match off the back of four straight league victories, which has seen them move into 14th position in the table.

Mark Bowen has been in charge of 15 matches since replacing Jose Manuel Gomes as head coach, and the Welshman has overseen eight victories, suffering just three defeats during his time at the helm.

Reading are actually unbeaten in their last six in the Championship, beating two promotion hopefuls in their last two matches, following a 2-0 success at Preston North End with a 2-1 victory at Fulham.

The Royals were held to a 2-2 draw by Blackpool in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday, though, meaning that they will face a trip to the Tangerines on Tuesday ahead of their next league clash with Millwall.

Bowen's team are actually only six points off the playoff positions in the Championship, and another positive result this weekend could put them in the mix during a key stage of the campaign.

Forest, meanwhile, currently sit fourth in the table with 43 points to show from their 25 matches. Only the top three have won more league matches this term (12), while only the top two have suffered fewer defeats (6).

For such a huge club, it is incredible to think that they have not been present in the top tier of English football since 1999. Forest posted ninth last term, though, and appear ready to challenge for the playoffs this season.

Like Reading, the visitors will enter this game in impressive form having won their last three in the Championship, although they were knocked out of the FA Cup last weekend courtesy of a 2-0 loss at Chelsea.

The fact that Sabri Lamouchi's side do not have a midweek replay to think about could be a blessing in disguise, however, as they will have a full week to prepare for next weekend's clash with Luton Town.

The Reds have only won one of their last four Championship matches with Reading, though, and suffered a 2-0 defeat to the Royals in their last clash almost one year ago.

Reading Championship form: DDWWWW
Reading form (all competitions): DWWWWD

Nottingham Forest Championship form: DLLWWW
Nottingham Forest form (all competitions): LLWWWL

Team News

Reading will again be without the services of George Puscas and Andy Yiadom, but the Royals have no fresh injury concerns heading into this weekend's contest.

Bowen made a number of changes for the FA Cup clash with Blackpool, but the bulk of the XI is expected to be the same from the one that started against Fulham on New Year's Day.

As a result, Lucas Joao will again start in the final third, while Charlie Adam should keep his spot in midfield. Tyler Blackett could drop out, though, as the speculation surrounding his future continues.

Forest, meanwhile, will again be without Tendayi Darikwa through a long-term knee injury, but the visitors will travel to the Royals with a strong squad.

Lewis Grabban scored a brace against Blackburn Rovers on New Year's Day and should continue in the final third, although Alfa Semedo could come into the side as a replacement for Sammy Ameobi.

Joe Lolley and Tiago Silva, meanwhile, are likely to keep their spots in the XI.

Reading possible starting lineup:
Rafael; Gunter, Morrison, Moore, Richards; Pele, Adam; Meite, Swift, Ejaria; Lucas Joao

Nottingham Forest possible starting lineup:
Samba; Cash, Figueiredo, Worrall, Robinson; Sow, Watson; Lolley, Tiago Silva, Alfa Semedo; Grabban

We say: Reading 1-2 Nottingham Forest

This is a tough match to call when considering the form of both teams. Reading will be confident heading into the contest, but we fancy Forest to pick up three important points courtesy of a narrow win.